Blog

SolutionsAcademy

May 16, 2025

Ethics of working in groups

Grateful for ethics codes in coaching, I reflect on fostering respectful, creative spaces at events. Here are practical tips for organizers to ensure safety, inclusion, and productive dialogue.

May 7, 2025

Coaching and spiritual practices

Can spiritual practices enrich coaching? After a surprising session, I explored this in a diverse coach meetup. Here’s what we discovered—and how you can join the conversation too.

May 2, 2025

When you think your client is lying to you

Clients sometimes report progress that contradicts other accounts. Trust their story anyway—exploring even imagined success can foster change, honor multiple truths, and maintain a safe, judgment-free coaching space.

April 25, 2025

Coaching cringe: when you second guess yourself

Many coaches reflect on tricky sessions and later think of better responses. This is normal. Embrace the learning, enjoy the insight, and let growth replace self-criticism.

April 18, 2025

Trauma and coaching

Exploring the buzz around trauma-informed coaching, this post challenges linear cause-effect thinking while affirming kindness, client autonomy, and social-constructionist practices as the heart of ethical, respectful coaching.

April 11, 2025

Supporting internal coaches: a cheap and easy formula

Organizations investing in internal coaching risk underuse of trained coaches. "Coaching circles" offer a simple, cost-effective solution—boosting internal marketing, continuous learning, skill practice, and maximizing returns on investment through structured peer support.

April 4, 2025

Help - I don't feel like I am making a difference to my client!

A reader asked me to explore how to know if you're making a difference as a coach. The short answer: ask your client. The long answer: reflect, discuss, and adjust.

March 28, 2025

Steps to invite coaching into your organization

To engage senior leaders as internal coaching champions, align coaching with strategic goals, create authentic experiences, leverage influential advocates, provide simple advocacy tools, ensure visibility, and offer regular impactful updates

March 21, 2025

My client arrives frazzled - what do I do?

When your client is frazzled, don't join their panic—be their calm anchor instead. By staying warm, accepting, and grounded, you help clients co-regulate emotions, creating space for clarity, insight, and forward movement.

March 14, 2025

Supporting a coaching culture

Organizations expect a coaching culture to boost performance, employee engagement, leadership, and innovation. Instead of "creating," successful companies support coaching organically, leveraging existing strengths, increasing visibility, and encouraging gradual adoption.

February 28, 2025

Using AI to study for the ICF credentialing exam

Get ready for the ICF credentialing exam with AI!. Create a personalized study plan using tools like ChatGPT. Utilize AI quizzes, summaries, and flashcards. Discover the perfect study music and timers for maximum concentration. Start now and get certified!

February 20, 2025

Love it, change it or leave it

The "Love it, change it, or leave it" principle presents three options: acceptance, change, or leaving. A structured coaching approach can explore these options, starting with attempts to change the situation (Plan A), then acceptance (Plan B), and finally, preparing to leave the situation (Plan C) if necessary. This approach can create hope and confidence.

February 14, 2025

Self-help from hell

Self-help can offer valuable insights, but not all advice is beneficial. Beware of toxic positivity, individualistic blame, unrealistic promises, one-size-fits-all solutions, and endless upsells. Real growth is personal, messy, and social.

February 7, 2025

Hope and courage in coaching

Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde’s How We Learn to Be Brave explores hope and courage—key for coaches. Facing clients' realities with honesty and inviting them to seek possible good fosters meaningful progress.

January 31, 2025

Be human, first

Coaching is deeply human—AI can ask good questions, but true understanding comes from shared experience. Sometimes, sharing a small personal moment normalizes and strengthens. Let’s embrace our humanity in coaching!